What’s the Difference between Blinds, Shades & Shutters?

With so many window treatments to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you? An easy step toward selecting the right window covering is narrowing your choices down to blinds, shades or shutters. The basic construction of any window covering either has slats, vanes or panels that can be raised and lowered or moved from side to side. It is the opacity, look, and feel that make them different. At Altra Home Decor serving Scottsdale and the Phoenix area, we carry a full line of Hunter Douglas window coverings and can help you make the perfect selection for your windows!

Window Covering Basic Choices

Blinds are considered a standard in window coverings because of their slat construction. They come in horizontal, vertical and specialty shaped window applications. For the most part, blinds do not block out light completely due to the route holes. An affordable window treatment, blinds come in aluminum, vinyl, wood, faux wood, and fabric in hundreds of colors, styles and options to complement any room or décor style.

Shades have become more and more popular over the years. They offer fashionable design, energy efficiency, sun protection, room-darkening features, and privacy. Available in horizontal, vertical and specialty shaped window applications, shades offer a clean soft look to fit anyone’s budget. Shade fabrics range from man-made materials to natural sustainable materials like bamboo and are available in the widest selection of colors, styles, textures, and options.

Shutters are timeless and work well with any décor style. Considered like a piece of furniture, shutters are the most expensive of the three window treatment types. Available in hardwood, faux wood, vinyl and in an array of colors, textures and slat options, they provide the ultimate in privacy.

Lifting System Options

As a Hunter Douglas gallery dealer, we offer a wide variety of lifting options for our blinds and shades. From state-of-the-art motorized options to innovative manual options, even the largest window fashions can be easily operated for greater convenience. All our systems keep functionality and safety top of mind.

Blinds, Shades & Shutters in Scottsdale

Altra Home Decor is your source for window treatments, custom drapery, flooring, and more! We serve the greater Phoenix area, including Peoria, Sun City West, Glendale, and Scottsdale, with a showroom in Surprise. Stop by our locally owned store to view our full-size window treatment displays and sample books. Contact us today to schedule an in-home design consultation!